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It seems there are rules for everything: attire, correspondences, even dating. But what about dining out? How has such a pertinent daily and social pastime become so far removed from the rule-book clichés? It hasn’t, according to the Atlantic Monthly’s contributing writer, Tyler Cowen. In a recent issue, he proposed six hard-and-fast rules for dining out. (Read his article here.)

The catch? Cowen lives in New York City, an epicenter of culinary creation. Ergo, his rules may be applicable in Manhattan, but what’s a foodie to do in Madison, Wisconsin, land of cheese and happy cow jokes? Read on to find six tailored approaches to dining out here.

1. Go Without Your GutTake a tour of dishes with the most unusual or intriguing ingredients. An open mind will reap tasty benefits.